Leonard, William Joseph, 1908-2000

William Joseph Leonard, SJ was born on April 10, 1908 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to William J. and Catherine V. (Smith) Leonard. Leonard was the oldest of five children, including two sisters, – Catherine and Eleanor – and two brothers – Francis and Robert.

After attending elementary and grammar school in Dorchester, Leonard attended Boston College High School, where he graduated in 1925. Leonard joined the Society of Jesus the summer after graduating from high school. He took his first vows after a two-year novitiate in 1927, followed by a two-year Juniorate at Shadowbrook. Leonard's education continued with courses in philosophy at Weston College starting in 1929. In 1931, Leonard received his AB Degree from Boston College, followed by his Master's Degree in 1932. The Jesuit provincial assigned Leonard to his first teaching position in 1932, with the English Department at the College of Holy Cross. While at Holy Cross, Leonard served as an instructor in English and "prefect" of student Masses. On June 20, 1937, Leonard was ordained a priest, and a year later he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology. Leonard completed his final period of Jesuit formation – the tertianship – at St. Robert's Hall in Pomfret, Connecticut. Leonard took his final vows in 1942.

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